India and Nepal ~ a wrap up, the good, the bad and the ugly

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

 

Map showing the route of our Gate 1 trip

Map showing the route of our Gate 1 trip

Before I get too entrenched in Barcelona, I wanted to recap what we experienced and learned in India and Nepal.  This was both a challenging and a rewarding trip and I have mixed feelings about our time there.

First of all India was not an easy country to embrace immediately and probably not a good choice for inexperienced travelers.  I have been fortunate to have been traveling internationally for over 40 years, been on 6 of the 7 continents and lost count of the number of countries visited but probably in the neighborhood of 65 including several very poor 3rd world countries.  And this was still an eye-opener for me. Continue reading →

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Barcelona ~ It took both years and days to get here

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Happy April Fools Day Everyone!

Just before landing in Barcelona

Just before landing in Barcelona

Tim and I have arrived safe and sound in Barcelona.  

The reason I say it took years is that we have had to cancel three previous attempts to get here.  The first was right after 9/11.  We were scheduled to leave just a few days after, and chose to stay home.  Most air service was cancelled during that time anyway. Continue reading →

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Nepal ~ Kathmandu, People, Kumari, Himalayan Mountains

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

March 27-30th, Nepal

Monkey Temple

Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath)

By the time we arrived in Nepal I was burned out on temples, stupas and religious monuments.  This was totally unfair to Nepal, which has an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, several of which we saw.  I was also still suffering from Delhi Belly for the first couple of days which did nothing to help matters.

I did however immediately notice that Nepal was cleaner, quieter, and calmer than the places we had visited in Northern India.  There was less desperation in the voices of the sellers and fewer beggars.

Instead of trying to capture every building from sixteen different angles I focused (literally) on faces and smaller architectural details. Continue reading →

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Varanasi, India ~ Ganges River Boat Ride at Dawn, Prayers, Bathing and Cremations

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Wednesday, March 26th, Varanasi, India

Ganges River just before dawn

Ganges River just before dawn

This was our last full day in Varanasi and it started early.  The first scheduled event was to witness the morning rituals along the Ganges River by boat.  On the bus at 5:00, we got to the water before dawn.

There are several things that happen first thing in the morning – bathing, washing clothes, presenting offerings and praying. Continue reading →

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Khajuraho, Varanasi, Evening Sacred Prayer Ceremony on Ganges River

Posted on March 30, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Tuesday, March 25th tour of Khajuraho, flight to Varanasi and evening on the Ganges River

Our walk from the bus to the first monuments offered up several photo ops:

Sharing a meal

Sharing a meal

Washing clothes in the pond

Washing clothes in the lake

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Playing music for us as we walked by

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

The Western Temples included the Bharatji Temple, Kandariya Mahadeo Temple to Lord Shiva and the Chaunsath Yogini Temple.  Considered one of the seven wonders of India, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   Continue reading →

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Shatabdi Express Train, Chaturbhuj Temple and bus to Khajuraho

Posted on March 29, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Monday, March 24th, On a train

Today is a travel day.  The rail system in India was on time, however that is not always the case I was told.  The station was old, but not overly crowded as we waited for our train to arrive.

“The Shatabdis are among the fastest trains in India and the Indian Railways considers them as prestigious.” ~ Wikipedia

The Shatabdi Express Train

The Shatabdi Express Train

Inside the train was well-worn, but we had pre-assigned seats with our group all together. Interestingly the family of six in our group that were from Bangladesh were all offered drinks and meals, but none of the rest of us were offered anything.   Continue reading →

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Agra ~ Taj Mahal, I’timad-ud-Daulah, Agra Fort

Posted on March 29, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Sunday, March 23, Agra, India

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

For as long as I can remember I have dreamed of visiting the Taj Mahal.  Truly a monument to love, and considered by many as one of the seven wonders of the world. Built on the orders of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1631 and 1648, it stands as a memorial to his third and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died during childbirth of their 14th child. Continue reading →

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Jaipur to Agra ~ School visit, Abhaneri Chand Baori (stepwell), Harshat Mata temple

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Saturday, March 22nd ~ Driving from Jaipur to Agra

Through the bus window

Through the bus window

Actually I should rephrase that.  We were riding in a bus, not driving.  I can not even imagine trying to drive here.  There are absolutely NO rules to the road other than the largest vehicle, or whomever wins the game of chicken goes first.  People drive on either side of the road, there is zero order that I can see. Continue reading →

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Jaipur – Amber Fort, Elephant ride, Jantar Mantar, and Maharaja City Palace

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph 
Friday March 21st, Jaipur, India

Amber Fort

Amber Fort

Amber Fort

The highlight today was a visit to the Amber Fort.  Dating back to the 16th century and sitting high on the hill overlooking the Maota Lake.  Known for its artistic architectural style it has a blend of both Hindu and Rajput elements.

After a 1/2 hour wait in line we climbed on the back of a HUGE elephant. Continue reading →

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Delhi to Jaipur – The wheels on the bus go ’round and ’round

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Thursday March 20th – Travel day Delhi to Jaipur

Before leaving Delhi we have a brief photo stop at the tallest monument, largest and oldest brick minaret in India.  Built in 1192, it was used as a watchtower, made of red sandstone, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  You can read more about it here.

Qutb Minar (aka Qutub or Qutab)

Qutab Minaret

Eight hours on the bus as we journey from Delhi to Jaipur.  We pass through farm land where mustard seems to be the primary crop.  The harvest is under way.   Continue reading →

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